Pinoy Hiphop Superstars Database
GOAL:
is to inform hiphop fans about local artist, and history.
This will be the Philippine Hiphop Artist Database.
every info, photos, event, tag helps and will be very much appreciated.

Francis Durango Magalona (October 4, 1964 – March 6, 2009), also known as FrancisM, Master Rapper, MC The Mouth and The Man From Manila, was a Filipino rapper, entrepreneur, songwriter, producer, actor, director, and photographer. Often hailed as the "King of Pinoy Rap", he was considered a legend in the Philippine music community. With the success of his earliest albums, he was the first Filipino rapper in the Philippines to cross over to the mainstream. He is also credited for having pioneered the merging of rap with Pinoy rock, becoming a significant influence to artists in that genre as well. He was also a television host on MTV Asia and Channel V Philippines and on noontime variety television show Eat Bulaga! Magalona died seven months after being diagnosed with acute myelogenous leukemia.[2] Magalona was later awarded a posthumous Presidential Medal of Merit. The award's citation noted that it had been given “for his musical and artistic brilliance, his deep faith in the Filipino and his sense of national pride that continue to inspire us.”

Andrew Espiritu (born July 31, 1965), better known as Andrew E., is a Filipino rap Artist,[1] Record Producer, Dongalowreckords CEO, Fedex WSC Director, Dongalo Clothing President, and Movie actor. He is best known throughout the Philippines for 1990 debut hit single Humanap Ka Ng Panget.

Andrew E. also known as the King of Pinoy Rap in the Philippines (the 'E' stands for his last name, Espiritu). Andrew E saw his first glimpse of showbiz as a Dj in a popular club Euphoria. He began his career in December 1990 when he released his first monster HIT single "Humanap Ka Ng Panget" ("Look For Someone Ugly"). The combination of his catchy story-telling rap style, irresistible beats, naughty and often hilarious lyrics made him popular & unique in Philippine pop culture.

Andrew’s career branched out as he began to star in comedy films based on his songs. He has more than 28 blockbuster films under his belt.

In the mid 1990s, Andrew E. founded Dongalo Wreckords for the purpose of discovering and producing new Philippine Rap talents. One popular rap group that got its start with Dongalo is Salbakuta. Their song Stupid Luv became a big hit and was made into a popular movie which also starred Andrew.

Andrew E. spent some time in Japan in the late 1990s, performing in clubs and eventually releasing a song in Japanese about the misadventures of a tourist in Tokyo. He is now married and lives in Dongalo, Paranaque City (where his record label was named from) with his wife and son. Andrew is also a certified platinum artist given that he has acquired over 18 albums, each at least 5 times platinum.

In 2009, He was one of the judges in the top-rating talent show of ABS-CBN, Showtime but got evicted after 10 weeks. He became one of the most longest-staying judges in the show.

In the Filipino rap scene, Andrew has largely contributed to the growth and popularity of rap, furthermore by introducing a freestyle battle competition which gave aspiring rappers a shot at record deals. He is married to Mylene Yap from Boracay Island and has a son name Fordy and daughter Jassley.

One of the pioneers of Philippine Hiphop, Denmark has released three albums. His debut album in 1991 produced the hit song “Louningning” followed by a second album “Brownout” which was both released by Viva Records. After almost a decade of absence from the scene, Denmark surprised hip-hop fans in 2004 with his comeback album “Blind Rhyme” under BMG Records Pilipinas. He is currently gathering a new breed of artists who will be featured in his very first compilation album project. Denmark is also preparing to record his fourth album which will be released soon.

Michael V. (born December 17, 1969 Beethoven del Valle Bunagan), also known as "Bitoy" or "Toybits", is a Filipino comedian, actor, director, composer, singer, rapper, voice artist and parodist, who appears in the GMA Network show Bubble Gang, and in his own TV show Bitoy's Funniest Videos. His current TV show is Pepito Manaloto.

Known as the "Weird Al" Yankovic of the Philippines for his "translations" and parodies of popular Filipino and foreign songs and has also made original songs, such as "Sinaktan Mo Ang Puso Ko" (You've Hurt My Heart), and "Hindi Ako Bakla" (I'm Not Gay). The song "Sinaktan Mo Ang Puso Ko" is closely similar to Yankovic's "You Don't Love Me Anymore".

M.C. Lara released a self titled album with the Rapbusters
under Ivory Records. 1991

Started in 1991 . MC lara did one album with the Rapbusters (Jan Mendoza and Allan Ocampo) under Ivory.

Carrier single was Superquento.
But the one that really did well on the charts was DI KO SANA PINIGILAN which is also her favorite.
She worked at DWKC as a DJ for 10 years and a half.

She was a counselor too at DZXL. In 2000, she also joined ABS-CBN.
and was a DJ at ABS-CBN satellite radio for a year and a half.

Then she started dubbing for foreign shows.
She was the voice of Jennifer Garner in Alias, Eunice in Stairway to Heaven, Yna in Endless Love 4, Kelly in A Rosy Life, Nunnally in Code Geass, Sue-Jin in Boys Over Flowers, Alisson in Love Story in Harvard, Truffles and Panini in Chowder...and of course JANGEUM in JEWEL IN THE PALACE!

She voiced for Bathaluman Ether in Encantadia and Bokya (the talking cellphone) in Super Inggo.

she done 3 on cam commercials (PLDT, MR. CLEAN and her running TV ad is COKE) Oh, she also did an informmercial for a THERMA PRO and another TV ad for ALAS CARGO. It's on youtube.

June this year, a radio ad she voiced for Kythe foundation won a Bronze Award in Cannes.

She just completed the music video of a song she wrote called "LARARA". she performed it with one of the rappers of today that I highly respect, AWOL.

She wrote, produced and directed the music video. She like to use this as a tool for ministering to women who have experienced rejection and deep emotional hurt.

She give lectures/ seminars on voicing, voice acting, hosting, broadcasting, carreer orientation, etc. (She all around hehe) in school symposia and church gatherings (by invitation).

She's also been part of 3 indie films in 2009 as Assistant Director/ 2nd-2nd Assistant director.

August 2009, She got a role in one of the finalists in the CINEMAONE ORIGINALS FILMFEST. The film is called "BALA-BALA".

This year, She did a TV series for the KNOWLEDGE CHANNEL called "FACULTY ROOM." She played Ms. Anne, a ballet teacher turned art teacher.

Very soon, She will start shooting a new educational TV series.

Currently, MC LARA is taking her masters (MASTER OF ARTS IN EDUCATION) at a local seminary. as she like to be a professor someday... and a film/music vid director too.

Mastaplann

is an all-Filipino Hip Hop group that was formed in 1992 in the Philippines, with original group members Butch Velez aka Tracer One, Johnny Luna aka Type Slickk, Disco Mix Competition DJs Sonny Abad, Noel Macanaya aka DJ MOD, Lopi Guzman aka DJ Lopi, and managed by Jesse Gonzales. Butch and Johnny were balikbayans from the San Fernando Valley near Los Angeles, CA, Sonny a balikbayan from Hercules, CA, near the San Francisco Bay Area and Noel and Lopi native Filipinos. In 1992, Mastaplann was signed by Universal Records, where they released two records; in 1993, their debut eponymous release, and in 1994, The Way of tha Plann. These albums eventually obtained platinum status and are still selling worldwide. In 1995, Butch and Johnny went back to the states to take a hiatus from the scene. In 2000, they released a third album through BMG Records, under the new sub-label, Red Egg Records entitled Mastaplann.com, an obvious reference to their newly developed website. Additionally, the group scaled down their line-up to just Butch and Johnny, and then added Johnny Krush, another balikbayan from the San Francisco area. This album has already obtained gold status in the Philippines, and is also still selling. Currently, the group is based in the States where they still perform and make music. Mastaplann is currently working on their fourth album, yet to be titled, to be released under True Asiatik Productionz.

Currently the band is being represented by 3rd World Management.

Achievements

Two platinum albums under Universal Records: Mastaplann, and The Way of tha Plann
Gold album under BMG/Red Egg Records: Mastaplann.com
1993, and 1994 Awit Award nominee, Best Rap
1994 Katha Award nominee and winner, Best Rap Song, Best Rap Performance, Best Rap Album
Number One songs in the Philippines, Bring Dat Booty, Is It Time, True Asiatik, Way of tha Plann
Toured all of Philippines. Also, in 1994 toured Malaysia, Indonesia, and Hong Kong to promote the release of The Way of tha Plann in those respective countries
1994 Number One rap song in Malaysia, Bring Dat Booty
1993, opened for Bobby Brown for a major concert at the Folk Arts Theater
1994, performed with Eraserheads for their first major concert, Jamboree also at the Folk Arts Theater
Produced music for various Filipino artists such as Francis M., Death Threat, Sun Valley Crew
Hosted video specials for MTV Asia and Channel V
Various promotional and guest stints for television programs in the Philippines

Death Threat are pioneering gangsta rap artists in the Philippines composed of MCs O.G. Beware, Genezide, Hi-Jakkk, O-Dogg, Gloc-9, Konflick, Phat-L, Dyablo, Sir Scratch and Radical M.K. & the only English speaking artist in the group M.E.N.A.C.E. At a time when party themed tracks dominated Pinoy rap as exemplified by such mainstream artists like Denmark and Andrew E, they released their seminal "Gusto Kong Bumaet" debut LP which ushered the Philippine Hardcore and Gangsta Rap Scene. The group became famous for their song "Gusto Kong Bumaet" (I Want To Be Good) which told tales of the daily lives of the young impoverished Filipino youth growing up in the city streets and slum areas, other singles are "Ilibing Ng Buhay" with Pooch of Ghetto Doggs, "24 Oras", "Kamusta Na", and "Private Diane" with Ely Buendia and master rapper Francis M. . They already shoot their first single "Hood To Hood" on their 8th upcoming album "Death Threat 8" and soon to bang on your hood. They have released several albums since then and are currently signed to the record label "Real Deal Productions".

(Born to Kill The Devil) which is one of the greatest album of all time.. And the most anticipated and awaited album in 1996... That became multi-platinum even without an airplay.. But a classic TV performance in Eat Bulaga was done by the Ghetto Doggs...where they perform with stocking mask on their face...Ghetto Doggs 1 tackles on different types of criminal acts.. But concentrates on the Sta. Rosa Laguna Massacre as the subject matter..which was delivered by Dongalo's 1st Batch of Artist and of course POOCH !!!

Why this name?
Back in the days (well,actually, until now), a basic drum beat from a drum machine or from a human beatbox is already enough to create music. Just add some lyrics to that beat and you already have a song. And that's how we came about the name "Bass" (beat) + "Rhyme" (lyrics)...

Band History:
During the 1980's when the Philippine populace was well-acquainted with the sounds of English-based bands otherwise known as "new wave" and with Madonna and Cyndi Lauper as the most influential female acts in music, another form of art culture was attempting to emerge in the United States known as hip-hop. It was when substances of this culture were introduced to the Philippines in the form of break-dancing that many Filipino teens became fixated in this unique method of dance. Mobile systems also became widespread as Filipinos hosting parties and gatherings required a more stimulating way of entertaining guests.

One of the many mobile systems then was from a village in Las Pinas named R.A.P. crew (Rock All Parties) which included in their display of skills what was known then as MCing, a type of crowd pleaser through chants like "Throw your hands in the air / then wave 'em like you just don't care" (as popularized by DJ Kool Herc) and also showed individual rap performances. The R.A.P. crew which was then consisted of Rapmaster Fordy (soon becoming more popularly known as Andrew E.), Cool MC Norm and Fresh Kid (Bass Rhyme's Norman B. and Andy Luv MD respectively) and others attempted to permeate the disco/club scenes as rappers by approaching numerous existing club managements to demonstrate their skills but frequently ending up being declined. Evidently, club promoters (and the Philippine public) during those days were not "familiar" with rap music. More often than not, they would chuckle as Cool MC Norm would execute his "human beatbox" skill which revealed apparent that various Filipinos were not ready for rap.

Equipped with a drum machine, wireless microphones and instrumental records from the likes of Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five, UTFO, Whodini, etc., the R.A.P. crew continued with their pursuit for rap to be recognized in the Philippine music scene. They would frequently perform as rappers into any invited gatherings. One major break for the crew came when Master Rapper Francis M. himself invited them to perform on his birthday celebration at a then 1980's famous TV variety show "Loveli-Ness" where Francis was a regular host. Another famous rap piece by the R.A.P. crew in mid 1980's was that of Rapmaster Fordy and Norman B's "Makati Girl - Live in Full FX" performance in Araneta Coliseum which was soon included in Andrew E's debut album "Humanap Ka Ng Panget" released in 1989. The said track acknowledged Norman B as the first known human beatbox and "fastest" rapper of the Philippines.

After being discovered at Euphoria disco, Andrew E. found fame as a rap artist. In late 1989, he introduced two of his friends from the R.A.P. crew (Norman and Andy) and another friend from his pop/breakdancing days (Jay, later known as J Smooth MC) to his then recording company Viva/ RJ records to form a rap group and release the first Philippine rap group album. Andrew E. initially suggested to them the name "Pine Rhyme" referring to Las Pinas being their native city. Pine Rhyme was immediately introduced to the media as the first rap group of the Philippines to emerge. They started performing and appearing as guests in Andrew E's concerts, as well as school and provincial tours. Thinking that the current name Pine Rhyme does not sound much of a rap group at all, the group eventually decided to modify their name to Bass Rhyme Posse.

Bass Rhyme Posse signed a recording contract with Viva / RJ records alongside with Markie D (later more popularly known as Denmark) with whom they became close friends with. Bass Rhyme Posse's music was inspired by numerous old school artists. From the politically charged style of Public Enemy to the rap ballad style of LL Cool J. But Bass Rhyme Posse was generally considered as RUN DMC's Philippine counterpart. Bass Rhyme Posse was also the first group to include on their album another DJ style of scratching called "Transformers" courtesy of Rod "DVS" Torres and DJ Paul of Murdertone on one of their tracks "Bad Trip". After recording nine tracks in a few months time, Bass Rhyme Posse was eagerly anticipating its' debut album release very soon.

But Viva Records' big boss Vic del Rosario has a different idea. He demanded that Bass Rhyme Posse come up with two more tracks that are of playful/ novelty in nature since it was during this time that Tagalog rap songs in the likes of Andrew Ford Medina, Luningning by Denmark and Maganda ang Piliin by Michael V were all topping the charts. Much to Bass Rhyme Posse's apprehension of releasing a dissimilar rap style from what they normally prefer, they released "Juan T." and "Basura" to delight the major record company.

However frustrating that their album release has been delayed by the company for months, the group unrelentingly heeded to the demands of Viva / RJ to continue performing on their scheduled appearances. These included both television and radio engagements as well as campus and provincial tours. In the early quarter of 1991 after a very long wait, their debut album was released. For many Philippine rap followers, the tracks "Let the Beat Flow", "Buhay Estudyante" and the love song "Ikaw Lamang" immediately became favorites but unfortunately Viva / RJ insisted that the novelty song "Juan T." be Bass Rhyme Posse's carrier single.

In 1992, Bass Rhyme Posse mellowed down from the Philippine rap scene. Norman, Jay and Andy though constantly in tune with one another, decided to pursue different paths of their line of business. Jay migrated to New York in pursuit of another profession. Later on, he formed an alternative rock band consisted of other Filipino artists called "Blok-Blok". Andy, being a registered nurse in profession, migrated and started a family at California in 1998. And finally Norman, arrived also in California with his family in 2001.

In 2003, they resumed communication with one another and apparently discussed the possibility of recording a much deferred follow-up album and concluding an evocative "unfinished business" in the Philippine rap showground. With Norman, Jay and Andy agreeing that such task is more than achievable through the facilitation of hi-tech computer communications and musical technology despite being in distant locations from one another, they contacted DJ Mick aka Spintech in Manila to provide assistance in this exceptional project which included the creation of the group's official website.

And now, with Norman B, J Smooth MC, Andy Luv MD and DJ Mick on the works, watch out for the comeback of a Philippine rap legacy, that of… BASS RHYME POSSE

In Filipino, the word "kulay" means color, which best exemplifies the unique sound and style of this band from the Philippines.

Ever since they started, the pop sensation collectively known as KULAY (pronounced Coo-lai) has been making waves in the Philippines with their novel look and exciting public performances. In the world where "formula" pop music bands dominate tha market, KULAY has been able to distinguish themselves above the rest by creating their own sound out of a mixture of pop, dance, hip hop and funk styles. The result, is a sound that is so unique in the world of music that it can be called distinct, or truly "KULAY".

The band composed of Radha, Boom and Angel is Sony Music's latest signing to the fast growing Dance Pool Label, and is expected to make a very big impression on the music scene in the months to come. Their first record entitled VIBESTATION, is a compilation of some of the most compelling and interesting music to come around in a long time, and the entire project is being backed up by some of the best marketing tools ever seen in the business.

VIBESTATION in itself is a unique concept album that features musical and vocal seques between each track. "We really wnated this album to be different, so we planned whole VIBESTATION album around the radio program." says Boom. "The idea was, when you listen to the album, it is supposed to sound you like you're listening to a radio station called the VIBESTATION."

Sony executives have latched on to the VIBESTATION concept and everything being created around the band all go back to the same concept. When you look at our video, that opens with a chamber with several doors, and at the start of each video, you fly into one of doors which is the start of each video." says Radha. "So far, both of the videos that we've done have kept this single concept, and we hope to do a few videos around this to try to keep everything on the same vibe."

A lot of mention about their videos and artwork is almost a necessity in any discussion about KULAY for the simple reason that all these actually come from the band themselves. "Boom and Radha both dabble a lot in computers and actaully shot, edited and directed all our videos," says Angel. "It's really kinda cool that they do this, because what you see of us is basically what we are, nothing has been created.... Everything's all us."

KULAY's first single is the sassy dance tune " Delicious" which will have two videos accompanying the release of the album. The album version of the video is for television broadcast, while a special "remix" video which features the "Break Neck Mix" of the song will be exclusively offered to clubs. Sony Music is also preparing a wide array of merchandise around the band and the release of their album.

PBut more than just boob tube darlings of the new generation, what is it that makes Kulay tick? Mainly the vibe, that intangible something that gives their music the added kick. And it is this music that has gotten Kulay the attention they so rightfully deserve, locally and internationally.

Kulay spent the large part of August touring the UK. With "Delicious" single released there as an EP, Kulay was whisked into a tiresome tour that brought them to places they themselves have only dreamed of going. To update what we all known about Kulay, here's a list of what they've been up to lately, and it's definitely something that will make us Filipinos proud.

To date. Kulay has:

o Been on the cover of Echoes, a popular streetmag
o Been featured in a spread in Billboard
o Gone coast to coast all over England as part of Radio One Roadshow, Radio One id the biggest radiostation in England. They've shared the stage with the likes of Peter Andre, All Saints and others.
o Been guests in Galaxy Radio 102 Balloon Fiesta, dubbed the biggest party of the millenium.
o Attended the Wave FM party, which was also attended by some 60,000 people.
o Made an appearance on the Disney Channel, Nickelodeon, Blast on Trouble TV, and Big Breakfast (the #1 breakfast show in England).
o Recorded some scenes for the Columbia TriStar movie "Virtual Sexuality" which premieres in UK on November. Word has it that two of their songs are also included in the soundtrack. Whether their scene makes it to the final cut of the movie has yet to be seen.
o Been on club tours all over UK and graced the opening of one of London's hottest clubs, Heaven.
o Participated in Popkomm in Germany where recording companies show off their top international acts. With other guests 2 Unlimited, Solid Harmonie, B*Witched and CecePenniston.
o Been on the other TV programs such as Buzzin'Birmingham Live and other live shows in Manchester and Newscastle.

With their management in UK (Clare Shave, who has also managed acts like D'Influence, M People and Zhane), Kulay is being handled by Brilliant, the same team that handled the Spice Girls, 911 and even David Bowie. More shows are being booked by their agent Mission Control. Dr. Martens and Adidas are sponsoring the UK stint.

On the other developments, Kulay's single "Burn" will be remixed by Norman Cooke of the UK-based group Fat Boy Slim. Here at home, Boom and his gang's pet project will soon be underway. Aside from his own music label Vibestation Records (which includes R&B hip hop act Seven Shots of Wisdom and underground rapper Syke -- toutes the Tupac Shakur of the Phils.), they are also putting up a show on ABC 5 called "Vibestation TV Show." which premiers this month. Fondly referred to as "X Generation Sesame Street," its aim is to "edutain" (you know what that means) even viewers who are predisposed to channel-surf. The weekly journey to the Vibestation, with colorful hosts and celebrities also visiting in will have a very short segments that are very innovative and as shocking as they are entertaining. The dynamic out of this world visuals provided by David "DFX"Yu&Boom, the duo that directed the Award winning MTV's of "Delicious" and "Shout," will, according to Boom, "take the show to another level of visual imagery that the local viewers haven't seen before." One last thing, this ain't MTV.